Vancouver police seek help identifying suspects in three unprovoked assaults Thursday

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is asking for the public’s help identifying suspects in three unprovoked stranger assaults that occurred at separate locations across Vancouver on Thursday. The victims were 73, 44 and 33 years old.

**Incident 1:** At about 6:10 a.m., a 73-year-old woman was waiting in line for a recycling cup program at Victory Square, 200 West Hastings Street, when a suspect approached and tried to steal bags containing her recyclable cups. When she tried to stop the theft, the suspect punched her in the eye, pushed her to the ground and stole one bag before fleeing eastbound on West Hastings Street near Cambie Street. The woman was taken to hospital in stable condition.

The suspect is described as a white woman in her 30s with shoulder-length dirty-blonde hair and blonde highlights. She was wearing a black jacket over a white sweater, black pants and white shoes. Superintendent Phil Heard said police are releasing CCTV images of the suspect and a potential witness in the hope someone will recognize them and come forward with more information. Video: https://vpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-188920-16x9-INCIDENT-1-.m4v

**Incident 2:** Shortly before 12:30 p.m., a 44-year-old man was talking on the phone near Commercial Drive and Adanac Street when another man approached and began making racist remarks. After the victim told him to leave him alone, the suspect elbowed him in the chin, then punched and kicked him. The assault ended when witnesses intervened. The suspect was last seen walking southbound on Commercial Drive.

He is described as a dark-skinned man between 40 and 50 years old, about five feet seven inches tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a grey dress shirt, tan pants and white shoes, and carrying a green cross-body bag. Video: https://vpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-189103-16X9-INCIDENT-2-.m4v

**Incident 3:** At about 6:20 p.m., a 33-year-old resident was walking west near Burrard and West Georgia when a man walking in the opposite direction suddenly struck him in the back. They briefly exchanged words before the suspect fled eastbound on West Georgia Street.

The suspect is described as a Black man, about five feet nine inches tall, with short black hair and a black beard. He was wearing a green winter jacket and carrying a black backpack. Video: https://vpd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/26-189328-16x9-INCIDENT-3.m4v

Heard said anyone who witnessed any of the assaults, has CCTV footage or can help identify a suspect is asked to contact Vancouver Police at 604-717-3321.